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HIS OFFICIAL RECORD 



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EXTRACT^ FROM HIS ANNUAL MESSAGES. 



[Pcblislied by the Repisibllcan Congressional Committee, Wasliington, D. C] 



la pursuance of the affirmatiye policy v/hioh we have marked out for the conduct 
of tke ensuing campaign, we propose to meet the charges that the President-is not 
qualified for the faithful aii<l acceptable discharge of the Presidential functions, by 
permitting him to speak for himself. We have, therefore, for the convenience of 
the reader^ arranged his utterances in his last three annual messages by topics, so 
that every citizen may judge for himself of the President's statesmanship. Extracts, 
without regard to date, have been arranged upon the same topics, wkich is the 
severest test to which any political writer can be subjected. So fully has the subject 
been thought through ; so carefully — feeling the full weight of official responsibility — 
have the words been chosen, that there is a remarkable uniformity of opinion and 
style. We venture to say that the most expert critic will be unable to discern from 
which message a ginrea sentiment was taken. 

It will be seen feat the subjects embraced are numerous, comprisisg ail eontroverted 
duestions^ — no concealment or evasion of issue having been attempted. ^Thus our po- 
litical foes are either compelled to adopt the identical principles and doctrines hereia 
set forth, and then there can be no other issue than one of personal animosity; or 
they will be compelled to set up views in opposition thereto. In either case they will 
not be likely to meet with success. The Pi-esident has endeared himself person- 
sMy to the ■ people by his military renown and his unswerving integrity ; while his 
political views aifc so judicious, humane, aiyd progressive ; soemiaently safe and con- 
siderate, that it will roqiirire unusual rgcklessu'bsfl and imnudenee to attempt to refute 



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be onlj- regret we have is that limitation of space haa compelled us to cut d'^wn 
.^v argument in some instances, and to omit his views upon subordinate topics, 
which, in justice to their author, ought to be presented. Imperfect in these respects 
as this essay is,, it is however amply sufficient to demonstrate to all fair-minded men 
that President Grant is pre-eminently wise and safe in the conduot of public affairs. 

TUK PKESIDEXT'S MILITAUY RECOUD. 

Allusions to General Grant's military achievements seem to be as distasteful to the 
unrepentant rebels and their allies as the sight of water to the victims of hydrophobia. 
Those who did iheir utmost to destroy the American nation, and who only yield obe- 
dience to superior force to-day, are of course enraged at the meation of the capture 
of Vicksburg and Richmond, and the surrender of Lee; while their civilian alliea 
contend that an enumeration of Grant's military achievements is taking an unfair 
advantage. The former class insist that Grant never was a superior General, while 
the latter reluctantly concede his military success, but protest that it has no bearing 
upon 'a Tresideutial campaign. We arc not disposed to concede this allegation. 
Grant's military achievements are part of his history and character, and if the oppo- 
sition have no mr.n of equal renown to pit against him, it is their misfortune and not 
our fault. 

Had the rebellion succeeded a continent would Lavebeea split into fragments, and 
the only great Keipublic— the light and hope of the peoples of the world— would have 
gone down ia anarc^iy and confusion. Under Providence we are indebted for na; 
tional existence itself to General Grant and to the legion of brave men living and 
dead, who cither sacrificed or offered to sacrifice their lives, which is the highest 
measure of devotion which men can bring to the support of-a great cause. 

Grant's military career has not only reflected glory and renown upon our nation, 
but can well bo interposed against the accusations of a want of patriotism br general 
ability. The history of all nations has proved beyond successful contradiction that 
military success in a long struggle, with a million of men in the field, can only be 
achieved by men of a high order of intellect. An ignorant man may stumble upon 
success ; but the strategy necessary to the capture of Vicksburg, Ptichmond, and Lee's 
army, together with the planning of the Sherman campaign, tested the mental capacity 
and resources of the Commander-in-Chief of our armies in an unmistakable manner. 
Justice to him and to our national character demands that the glorious memories of 
the mutual sufTeriugs and triumphs of the "Boys in Blue," shall be revived, and the 
roll-call of the guard of honor shall not be neglected. 

The President's modesty, which has often induced him to go to the utmost verge 
of deserting Presidentiijl dignity, to avoid the appearance of arrogance or self-asser- 
tion, and his gift of silence in a nation of talkers, have given his personal and political 
enemies a chance to pursue two lines of argument, which they urge alternatelj in 
perfect unconsciousness of their self-contradiction. At one time he is represented as 
a Sphynx — a scheming plotter in conjunction v;ith an imaginary militaj-y ring for the 
destraction of a nation's liberty ; a dangerous vampire, who will transmute the Re- 
public into an empire with Ulysses I. as Emperor; while the nest day, perhar,i!, he 
is held upas an ignorant tool of designing men, only fit to talk horse and smoke 
cigars. , 

'The truth is ho is a careful, judicious, painstaking man, exceedingly anjslous to 
dischargCuhis duties faithfully, and to execute the legaL'y expressed will of the na- 
tion, it is trnc ho assumed the Presidential duties with reluctance and di(Sdea<je ; 
but from the day <■ f h"-- 'r.-H'jgiaration ho na-: net m-cic:!? sonc-lit to learn, but, as Ave 



shall prove, has exscceeded in finding the wisest and eafeat course of progressive 
stateamanship. With this brief introductory we propose to allow liiaa to speak for 

himoelf. 

THE COXSTITCTIOXAL SFUERE OF EXECUTIVE DUTIES. 

President Johnson, and a number of his predecessors based the success of th?ir ad- 
ministrations upon a Yiurely legislative basis. TKeyneld that the Executive duties 
were too insignificant to achieve renown ; and therefore staked their success upon a 
legislative policy. President Grant in his inaugural address defined the proper ccn- 
stitutional sphere of the Executive power; and he did it so concisely and completely 
that nothing can be added or omitted to advantage. The primary duty of the Presi- 
dent is the faithful execution of all laws. Thus the Executive power is within its 
sphere co-ordinate with Congress, and can never be niade too strong, because it repre- 
sents the arm of the Government — the will of the nation -legally expressed. The 
power to recommend is secondary and incidental. The Executive enjoys ttfis r%ht 
in common with all other citizens. He participates in the legislation of the Country 
only through the veto power, which a President should exercise- upon great questions, 
only in rare instances, and for ample cause. 

We propose herewith to give the first tvro paragraphs of .the inaug^u^al address, 
•which contains more substance to the same number of words than a-ny similar docu- 
ment with which -we are acquainted : 

'^Citizens of the United States: Your sviflrages haviug elevated aie to the office of 
President of the United States, I have, in conformity with the Constitution^of oul' 
country, taken the oath of office prescribed therein. I have taken this oath without 
mental reservation, with the determination to do to the best of my ability all that it 
requires of me. The office has come to me unsought. I commence its duties un- 
trammeled. I bring to it a conscientious desire and determination to fill it to the 
best of m.y ability to the satisfaction of the people. 

" On all leading questions agitating the ijublic mind I will always express my views 
to Congress, and urge thorn according to my judgment ; and when I think it advisable 
will exercise the constitutional privilege of interposing a veto to defeat measures 
which I opROse. But all laws will be faithfully executed, whether they meet my ap- 
proval ornot. I shall on all subjects have a policy to recommend, but HOne to -cn- 
force against the will of the people. Laws are to govern all alike, those opposed to 
as well as those who favor them, I know no method to secure the repeal of bad or 
obnoxious laws so effective as their stringent execution." 

In coming before you for the first time as Chief Magistrate of this great nation it is 
with gratitude to the Giver of all good for the many benefits we enjoy ; we are blessed 
wi_jh peace at home,_and are without entangling alliances abroad to forebode trouble - 
with a population of forty millions of free people, all speaking one language; v/ifclt 
iacilities for every mortal to acquire an education ; with institutions closing to none 
the avenues to fame or any blessing of fortune that may be coveted : with freedom of 
the pulpit, the press, and the school ; with a revenue flowing into'the national Treas- 
ury beyond the requirements of the Government. 

These blessings and countless others are intrusted to your care and mine for safe- 
keeping, for the brief period of our tenure of office. In a short time we must eacH 
of us, return to the ranks ©f the people who have conferred upon us our honors, and 
account to them for our stewardship. I earnestly desire that neither you nor I may 
be condemned by a free and enlightened constituency, nor by our own consciences. 
On my part, I promise a rigid adheresce to the laws, and their strict enforcement. 

In addressing my tHrd annual message to the law-making branch of the Govern- 
ment, it is gratifying to be able to state that during the past year success has gen- 
erally attended the effort to execute all laws found upon the statute books. The 
policy has been,_not to inquire-into the wisdom of laws already enacted, but to learn 
their spirit and intent, and to enforce them accordingly. I submit these suggestibns 
with a confidence that your combined action will be wise, statesmanlike, and in the 
best interests of the whole country. 



EDUCATION. 

We place first ou the Mst of topics the subject of education. The Presideot alludes 
to it on every Euitable occasion, and il should be observed that the measure, known as 
Hoar's bill, was first recommended by liim in the sentence, " Educationa'i Interests 
may well be served by the grant of the procf eds ©f the sale of public la^nds to 
settlers."' 

The subjects of education and agriculture are of great interest to the success cf our 
republican institutions, happiness, and grandeur as a nation. 

The time-honored and beneficial policy of setting apart certain sectiouE of public 
land for educational purposes in the new S-tates should bo continued. ^ 

Educational interest may well be served by the grant of the proceeds of the sale of 

f)ublic lands to settlers. I do not wLsh to be understood as recommeoding, in the 
east degree, a curtailment of what is being done by the General Govei'nmeni fo:- ihe 
encouragement of eckication. 

The enlarged receipts of the Posi Office Department are an index of the growth of 
education and of the prosperity cf the people, two elements highly conducive to the 
vigor and stability of Eepublics. 

Education, the ground-work of republican institutions, is encouraged by increasing 
the facilities to gather speedy news from all parts of the country. The de.sire to reap 
the beuefit of such improvem-ents will stimulate education. 

THE WOKKINGMAN'. 

The workingman is not forgotien. In every message there is a kindly word and 
the utterance of a et-riking troth. '"Persons before things" is the keynota of-his 
statesmanship wheo he states : " The true prosperity and greatness of a nation is to 
be found in the elevation and education of its laborers," a sentence worthy of being 
placed on our campaign banners. 

By the late war the indcstiy of one-half of the country had been taken :'rom the 
control of the capitalists and placed where all labor rightfully belongs — in the keeping 
of the laborer. 

The freedmen, under the protection which they have received, are maki::g rapid 
progress in learning, and no complaints are heard of lack of industry on their part 
where they receive fair remuneration for their labor. 

The opinion that the public lands should be regarded chiefly as a source of revenue 
is no longer maintained. The rapid settleroent and successful cultivation of them are 
now justly considered of more importance to our well-being than is the fr.r.d which 
the sale of them would produce. The remarkable growth and prosperity of C":.r new 
States and Territories attest the wisdom of the legislation which invites the tiller of 
the Eoi-l to secure a permanent, home on terms within the reach of all. The pioneer 
who incurs the dangers and privations of a frontier life, and thu3 aids'-in laying the 
foundation of new commonwealths, renders a signd service to his country, and is en- 
titled to its special favcr and protection, llieee laws secure that object and largely 
promote the general welfare. They should, therefore, be cherished a a permanent 
feature of our land system. 

I renew my recommendation that the public lands be regarded as a heritage :o our 
ohildren, to be disposed of only as required for occupation and to actual settlers- 

The true prosperity and greatness of a nation is to be found in the elevation and 
education of its labourers. 

AORIOCLTUKE. 

In every message oar agrictiltwiral interests are favorably mentioned. We enij-act 
the following senteroes, which are sufficient to indicate his seutiment,-; upon vlJs im- 
portant Eubjecl: 

I recommend to your favorable consideration the claims of the Agricultnra,! Bu- 
reau for I»beral approprialioaf.. Inn country so diversified hi climate and soil as 
oars, and with a populrftlon so largely dependent upon agriculture, the beneds that 
con be conferred by p-oporly fostering this bureau are inoalculable, 

J he report of the Couiniistiionor'oi Agriculture gives the operatious of hi.s Depart- 
ment lorthe year. As agriculture is the ground work of our prosperity, too much 



anportaiice cannot be attached to the labors of this Depfvrtment. Quietly, but surely, 
me Agricultural Bureau fs woi'liing a great national good, and if liberally supported, 
the more widely its influence will be esfeended and the less depen-dent we shall be 
upon the product's of foreign countries. 

COMMEECE. 

The revival of our foreign commerce, and the incveaBC of facirilties in domestic 
transportatJb'n, has coramaHded the President's earnest attention, and he has been 
ready to adopt alLproper measures to forward these important interests : 

The loss of our commerce is the only result of the late rebellion which has not 
receired sufficieat attention from you. To this subject I call your earnest attention. 
The whole nation is interested in securing cheap transportation from the acricul- 
tural States of the West to the Atlantic seaboard. To the citizens of those States it 
secures a greater return for their labor : te the iababitants of the seaboard it affords 
cheaper food; to the nation, an increafe in the annual surplus of wealth. 

Gur depressed commerce is a subject to which I called your special attention at the 
last session, and suggested that we will ia the future have to look more to the coun- 
tries sooth of us, and to China and Japan, for its revival. Our ropre^sentatives to all 
these Governments have exerted their icfiuence to encourage trade between the 
United States and the countries to which they are accredited. But the fact esista 
that the carrying is done almost entirely in foreign bottoms, and while this state of 
affairs exists we cannot^control our due share of the commerce of the world. 

The cost of building iron vessels, the only ones that can compete with foreign ships 
in the carrying trade, is so much greater in the IJnited States than in foreign coun- 
tries that, without some assistance from the Government, they cannot be successfully 
bail: here. There wiH be several propositions laid before Congress in the course of 
the presenfc'session looking to a remedy for this evil. Even if it should be at some 
cost to the national Treasury, I hope such encouragement will be given as will secure 
American shipping on the high seas and American ship-building at home. 

MANUFACTURES — THEY MUST BE ENCUUSAGSD. 

E7ery citizen will recognize the importance of the suggestions made in reference 
to our manufactures. The workingmeu of America can find no truer friend or more 
earnest advocate : 

Our manufactures are increasing with wonderful rapidity under the encouragement 
which they now receive. With the improvements in machinery already effected, and 
still incre-ising, causing machinery to take the place of skilled labor to a large extent, 
our inip<}rt3 of many articles must fall off largely within a few years. Fortunately, 
too, manufactures are not confined to a few localities, aa formerly, and it is to be 
hoped will become more and more diffused, making the interest in them equal in all 
sections. They give employment and support to hundreds of thousands of people at 
home, and retain with us the means which otherwise would be shipped abroad. The 
esteusioa Off railroads in Europe and the East is bringing into competition with our 
agricultural products like products of other countries. Self-interest, if not self- 
preservation, therefore, dictates caution against disturbing any industrial interest of 
the country. 

TARIFF REFORM. 

Si-ce the Tariff Reform question is made a plank in the opposition platform we 
give the President's views in full, as announced in his two last messages, and bespeak 
for them a careful perusal. No man can be more heartily in favor of real, practical 
reform, "and not a mere buncombe talk about it, than President Gp.nt : 

The tax collected from the people has been reduced more than eighty millions of 
dollars perannnm. By steadiness in' our present coarse, there is no reason why, in 
a few short years, the national tax-gatherer may not disappear from the door of the 
citizen almost entirely. With the revenue stamp dispensed by postmasters in every 
community ; a tax upon liquors of all sorts, and tobacco in all its fornos ; and by a 
wise adjustment of the tariff, which will put a duty only upon those articles 
which wo coald dispense with, known aa luxuries, and on those which we use 
more (5"|" than we produce, revenue enough may be raised, after a few years of 
peace and consequent reduction of iodebtedaesa, to fulfill all our obligations. A 



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♦tirthcr reduction of expeasej, ia addition to a reduction of iaterest account may 
bci'clied on to nialce this practicable. Revenue reform, if it means this,, has my 
hearty support. If itimplic.5 a collection of all the revenue for the support of Gov- 
crninciit. for the payment of principal and interest of the public debt, pensions, &c., 
hy directly taxing the people, then I am against revenue reform, and confidently be- 
lieve the people arc with me. If it means failure to provide the necessary means 
to defray all the expenses of Government, and thereby rppudiation of the public 
debt and pensions, then I am still more opposed to such kind of revenue reform. 
lievcnue reform has not been defined by any of its advocates, to ray knowledge ; but 
seems lo be r.coepted as something which is to supply every man's wants without any 
cost or effort on his part. 

k Irr.'C revenue reform cannot be made in a day ; but must be the v.-ork of national 
Ic.'^islation and of time. As soon as the revenue can be dispensed with, all duty 
should be removed from coffee, tea, and other articles of universal use not p.roduced 
by ourselves. The necessities of the country compel us to collect revenue from our 
imports. An army of assessors and collectors is not a pleasant sight to the citizen, 
but that or a tarifi" for revenue is necessary. Such a tariff, so far as it acts as an en- 
couraget&eut to home production, affords employment tj labor at living wages, in 
contrast to the pauper labor of the Old World, and also in the development of home 
resources. 

In readjusting thetaritT, I suggest that a careful estimate be made of the amount of 
surplus revenue collected under the presemt laws, after providing for the current ex- 
penses of the "Government, the interest acco«nt, and a sinking fund, and that this 
surplus be reduced in such a manner as to afford the greatest relief to the greatest 
number. There are many articles not produced at home, but which enter largely 
into general consumption through articles which are manufactured at home, such as 
medicines compounded, &c., &c., from which very little revenue is derived, but 
•which enter into general use. All such articles I recommend to be placed on the 
"freeiist." Should a further reduction prove advisable, I would then recommend 
that it be made upon those articles which can best bear it without disturbing home 
production, or reducing the wages oi' American labor, 

IKDIAi.' POLICT. 

The American historian will assign to Grant a high place as the author of a new 
Indian policy. Ilaving as a soldier, stationed at the outposts, become practically ac- 
qaaiated with these wards of the nation, he alludes to the subject in his inaugural and 
in every message. No one act of his life can be more creditable than the interest he 
has taken in these outcasts, from whose good vriK no persojial or political benefits 
can be reaped. ^Ve regret that we have only space for the following : 

The policy pursued toward the Indians has resulted favorably, so far as can be 
judged from the limited time during wdiich it has been in operation. Through thy 
exertions of the various societies of Christians to whom has been intrusted the exe- 
cution of the policy, and the board of commissioners authorized by the law of April 
10, 18C9, many tribes of Indians have been induced to settle upon reservations, to 
cultivate the soil, to perform productive labor of various kinds, and to partially ac- 
cept civilization. They are being cared for in such a way, it is hoped, as to induce 
thosp still pursiiing their old habits of life to embrace the on-iy opportunity which ia 
left them to avoid extermination. 

I recommend liberal ajM|ropriatiou3 to carry out the Indian peace policy, not only 
because it is humane, Chnstian like, and economical, but because it is right. 

" JJut because it ia right," a very excellent sentiment so modestly pat that it al- 
,«0Bt escapes the attention of the casual reader. The close ecrutlny of these messages 
required to make these extracts has forced the conviction upon us that '" because it 
is right," has been the guiding star of the President's career. 

i.nOTECTIOx' TO JMMIGRAN'iie. 

The iirc:;o!it Administration is the firfst that ha4 beSti earnestly disposed to protect 
immigrants and naturalized citizc:?. As special efforts arc beliig made to reador the 
German clement dissatisfied we give ample extracts. lu addition to the treaties ne- 



gotiated, a special agent was dispatched to esamiue the subject, and the important 
measure for the better protection of immigrants, now pending ia Congress, has the 
cordial support of the Administration. 

The ratification of the consular and naturalization conventions with the Austro- 
Hungarian Empire have been exchanged. 

The ratifications of the naturalization ccnveatioa between Great Britain and the 
United States have also been exchanged daring the recess ; and thus, a long standing 
dispute between the two Governments has been settled, in accordance with the orinci- 
pies always contended for by the Fnited States. 

The unsettled political condition of other countries, less fortunate than our own, 




„, ■ , 1. ,- , , s ° -J'ey accept official posi- 

tions ot trust or honor, which can only be held by citizens of their native land : they 
.journey undfer passports describing them as such citizens; and it is only when civil 
discord, after perhaps years of quiet, threatens their persons or their propertv, or 
when their native State drafts them into its military service, that the fact of their 
change of allegiance is made known. I have directed the diplomatic and consnlar 
officers of the United States ifo scrutinize carefully all such claims of protection; 
Th3_ citizen of the Fnited States, whether native or^adopted, who discharges his duty 
to ht3_ country, is entitled to its complete protection. While I have a voice in tlie 
directi^onof affairs, I shall not consent to imperil this sacred right by conferrinrr it 
upon fictitious or fraudulent claimants. '^ 

Or the accession of the presenr. Administration, it was found that the minister for 
North Germany had made propositions for .the negotiation of a convention for the pro- 
tect^ion of emigrant passengers, to which no response had been given. It was con- 
cluded that, to be effectual, all the maritime Powers engaged in the trade should join 
in such a measure. Invitations have been extended to the cabinets of London, Paris 




lations as to the construction of the parts of vessels to be devoted to the use o^ emi- 
grant passengers, as to the quality and quantity of food, as to the medical treatment 
of the sick, and as to the rules to be observed during the voyage, in order to secure 
ventilation, to promote health, to prevent intrusion, and to protect the females, and 
providing for the establishment of tribunals in the several countries, for eEforcini- 
such regulations by summary process. " 

The number of immigrants ignorant of our laws, habits, &c., coming into our 
country annually has become so great, and the impositions practiced upon them so 
numerous and flagrant, that I suggest Congressional action for their protection. It 
seems to me a fair subject of legislation by Congress. I cannot now state as fally as 
I desire the nature of the complaints made by immigrants of the treatment they re- 
ceive, but will endeavor to do so during the session of Congress, particularly it the 
subject should receive your attention. 

FAyJIENT AND REFXT-VDIKG OF THE NATIONAL DEBT. 

It must be within the recollection of all reading men that, at the time of Grant's 
•inauguration, repudiation was openly advocated, and the wildest theories obtained of 
how to extinguish the public debt vtithont paying it. Already in his inaugural and in 
every message he insisted upon the prompt reduction of the debt with the happiest 
results : 

The vast resources of the nation, both developed and undeveloped, oufht to make 
cur credit the best on earth. With a less burden of taxation than the'' citizen has 
endured for six y^rs past, the entire public debt could be paid in ten years. But it 
is not desirable that the people should be taxed to pay it in that time, Year by yea;- 
the ability to pay .increases in a rapid ratio. But the burden of interest ought to be 
reduced as rapidjy as can be done without the violation of contract. It is' believed 
that all bonds wnich are nov/ due may be replaced by bonds bearing a rate of interest 
not exceeding four and a half per cent., and as rapidly as the remainder become due 
that laey maf be replaced in the same way. With an acquiescence on the part of 
the whole people in the national obligation to pay the public debt, created as the 



8 

price of our Union ; the uenslous to our disabled soldiers and saKors, and their 
■widows a-nd orphans ; andUn the changes to the Constitution which have been made 
necessary by rwgreat rebellion, there is no reason why we should not advance in ma- 
tonal prosperity and happiness, as no other nation ever did, after so protracted and 
devastating a war. The national debt has been reduced to the extent of eighty- sii 
million dollar-- during the year, and by the negotiation of national bonds at a lower 
rate Oi interest, the interest on the public debt has been so far diminished that now 
tao sum k) be rajieed for the interest account is nearly seventeen million dollars less 
than on the Ist of March, 1869. It was highly desirable that this rapid diminution 
fiuoc.d take place, both to strengthen the credit of the country, aiad to convince its 
cstueas of their entire ability to meet every dollar of liability without bankrupting 
■taem. But in view of the accomplishment of these desirable ends ; of the rapid de- 
velopment of the resources of the country; its increasing ability to meet large de- 
mands, and the amount already paid, it is not desirable that the present resources of 
the country should continue to be taxed in order to continue this rapid payment. I 
therefore recommend a modification of both the tariff and internal tax laws. I re^ 
commgad that all taxes from internal sources be abolished, except those collected 
from spirituous, vinous, and malt liquors, tobacco in its various forms, and from 
stamps. 

RESUJIPTIOy OF SPECIE PAYMENT. 

Ami;>ng the subjects upon which the President has given po uncertain sound is tha 
gradual resumption of specie payment, a-nd he particularly regrets the demoraliza^ 
tion caused by a fluctuating currency ; 

Among the evils growing out of the rebellion is that of an irredeemable currency, 
it nan evil which I hope will receive your most earnest attention. It is a duty, and one; 
of the highest duties of Government, to secure to the citizena medium of exchange o| 
£5tvi, unvarying value. This implies a return to a specie basis, and no substftut^ 
lor It cag l)e devised. It, should be commenced now and reached at the earliest prac-^ 
ticabic moment consistent with a fair regard to the interests of the debtor class, i 
earnesiry recommend to you, then, such legislation as will insure a gradual return tol 
epecie payments and put an immediate stop to fluctuations in the value of currency.^ 
The approach tq.a specie basis is very gratifying, but the fact cannot be denied that 
the mstabilitjf of the value of our currency is prejudicial to our prosperity, and tends 
t-o Keep up prices to the detriment of trade. Tho evils of a depreciated and fluctu- 
ating currency are so ^reat that now, when the premium on gold has fallen so much, 
It would seeni'that the time has arrived when, by wise and prudent legislation, Con- 
gress should Took to a policy which would place our currency at par with gold at no 
aistant day. Continued fluctuation^ in the value of gold, as compared with the na- 
ti^ona! currency,- has a most damaging effect upon the increase and development of 
t..G country in keeping up prices of all articles necessary in every-day life. It fosters 
a spirit of gambling prejudicial alike to national morals and the national finances. 
If the question can be met, as to how to give a fixed value to our currency, that value 
constantly and uniformly approaching par with specie, a verv desirable object will be 
gained. 

OCR RELATiOKS WITH GERMAXY. 

Since special efforts have been made to create the impression that (he Administra- 
tion was hostile to Germany in the late war, and did not observe a friendily ucutral-ity 
W3 insert the following narration of facts, which prove that Germany reposed in the 
TjDitcd States the greatest confidence which one nation can repose in another— the 
profcction of its citizens : 

Soon after the existing war broke oat in Europe the protection of the United States 
miLiiter in Paris was invoked in favor of North Germans domiciled in French terri- 
tory. Instructions were issued to grant the protection. This has been fallowed by 
an extension of American protection to citizens of Saxony, Hesse, and Saxe-Coburg, 
(^otiia, Colombia, Portugal, Uruguay, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Chili, 
Paraguay, and Venezuela, in Paris. The charge was an onerous one, requiring con- 
star.t and severe labor, as well as tho exercise of patience, prudence, and good judg- 
ment. It has been perfomied to the entice satisfaction of thia Government", and, as°I 
am oOicially informed, equally so to the satisfaction of the Government of North 
Germany. 



The resumption of diplomatic relations between France and Germany hav e-bb^d 
me to give directions for the withdrawal of the protection extended to Ger/s.^" in 
France by the diplomatic and consular representatives of the United States t tha.t 
country. It is just to add that the delicate duty of thi= protection has been perfc.-Qgi 
by the minister and the «onsul general at Paris, and the various consuls in Fra^^e 
under the supervision of the latter, ivlth great kindness as well as with prudence aii^ 
tact. Their course has received the eommerKlation of the German Government, and 
has wounded no susceptibility of the French. 




St 
j_ _j — ■- --■-- — — -— _,^-..-..>v.i».^ iu ivo . ..tinuuo miii xi.i3iai.il. i uweis. iiS well 

2,8 With the SoHth American Eepubiice. I have given assura-nces that the 'friendly 
fedings of that Government are fully shared by the United States. 

Orr. FOREIGN POllCT. 

To aid in the establishment of free Governments in every part of the globe by cur 
example and moral influence, without meddlesome interference, is laid down as the 
proper conduct to be pursued : . • 

As the United States is^the freest of all nation;, so, too, its people sympathise with 
all peoples struggling for liberty and self-government. But while so sympathizing, 
it is due to our honor that we should abstain from enforcing our views upon unwilling 
nations, and from taking an interested part, without invitation, in the quarrels be- 
tween different nations or between Governments and their subjects. ^ 

The principle is mairrtained, however, that this nation is its own judge wF?n to 
accord the rights of belligerency, either to a people struggling to free themselves from 
a Government they believe tc be oppressive, or to independent nations at war with 
each other. 

As soon as I learned that a Republic had been proclaimed at Paris, and that the 
people of France had acquiesced in the change, the minister of the United States was 
directed by telegraph to recognize it, and to tender my congratulations and these 
of the people of the United States. The re-establishment in Francs of a system of 
government disconnected with the dynastic traditions of Europe appeare'fi to be a 
proper subject for the felicitations of Americans. Should the present struggle result 
in attaching the hearts of the French to our simpler forms of repress.ntative govern- 
ment, it will be a subject of still further satisfaction to our people. While we make 
no effort to impose our institutions upon the inhabitants df other countries, affd while 
we adhere to our traditional neutrality in civil contests elsewhere, we cannot be in- 
different to the spread of American political ideas in a great and highly civilized 
country like France. 

THE MONROE DOCTRJN'E. 

The Monroe Doctrine is fully sustained. European colonies upon the American 
continent are no longer considered transferable from one Power to another, and their 
independence is insisted upon whenever the colonial relations cease : 

The time is not probably far distant when, in the natural course of events, the 
European political cojinection with this continent will cease. Our poiicy should be 
shaped, in view of this probability, so as to ally the commercial interests of the 
Spanish American States Eore closely to our own, and thus give the United States 
all the pre-eminence and ail the advantage which Mr. Monroe, Mr. Adams, and l\Ir. 
Clay contemplated when they proposed to join in the Congress of Panama. 

These colonial dependencies are no longer regarded as subject to transfer from 
one European Power to another. When the present relation of colonies ceases, they 
are to become independent Powers, exercising the right of choice anxl of £elf-control 
ia the determination of their future condition and relation with other Powers. 

TEE LAND GRAST POLICY. 

The land grant policy is fully discussed, and the principle is insisted upon, that the 
nation has gone far enough, if not too fax, in this direction, and that hereafter the 
national domain must be preserved for the settler : 

The policy of aiding the States in building works of internal improvement was in- 
augurated more than foEty years since in the grants to Indiana and IlUndis, to aid 



/ 

those /tates in opening canals to coonect the waters cf the Wabash with those of,Lake 
Erie ^°^ ^^^ waters of the Illinois with those of Lake Michigan. It was followed, 
■wi+; some modifications, in the grant to Illinois of alternate sections of publio land 
■vyihin certain limits of the Illinois Central Railway. Fourteen States and scndry 
,/orporalions have reoeived similar subsidies in connection with rai-iways completed 
or in process of construction. As the reserved sections are rated at the double mini- 
mum, the sale of them at the enhanced price has thus, in many instances, indemnified 
the Treasury for the granted lands. The construction of some of these thoroughfares 
has undoubtedly given a vigorous impulse to the development of our resources and the 
settlement of the more distant portions ofthe country. It may, however ,J3e well- in- 
sisted that much of our legislation in this regard has been characterized by indis- 
criminate and prci'use liberality. The United States should not loan their credit in 
aid of axiy enterprise undertaken by States or corporations, nor grant lands in any 
instance, unless the projected work is of acknowledged national importance. 

AMNESTY AKD RECOySTRUCTIOX. 

¥pon the question of amnesty and reconstruction, the President is as liberal ae 
the utmost self-styled " Liberal Republican" could desire. This exposes the shal- 
low pretext of the disorganizers, who pretend to be dissatisfied with the President's 
course upon this question : 

More than six years having elapsed since the last hostile gun was fired between 
the armies then arrayed against each other — one for the perpetuation, the other for 
the destruction, of the Union — it may well be considered whether it is not now -.ime 
that the disabilities imposed by the fourteenth amendment should bo removed. That 
amendment does not exclude the ballot, but only imposes the disability to hold 
offices upon certain classes. When the purity of the ballot is secure, majorities are 
sure to elect officers reflecting the views of the majority. I do not see the advantage 
or propriety of excluding men from office merely because they were, before the 
rebellion, of standing and character sufficient to be elected to positions requiring 
them to take oaths to support the Constitution, and admitting to ckgibility those 
entertaining precisely the same views, but of less standing in their communities. It 
may be said that the former violated an oath, while the latter did not. The latter 
did not have it in their power to do so. If they had taken this oatii it cannot be 
doubted they would have broken it as did the former class. If there are any great 
criminals, distinguished above all others for the part they took in opposition to the 
Government, they might, in the judgment of Congress, be excluded from such an 
amnesty. This subject is submitted for your careful consideration. 

The condition of the Southern States is, unhappily, not such as all true patriotic 
citizens would like to see. Social ostracism for opinion's sake, personal violence 
or threats towards persons entertaining political views opposed to those entertained 
by the majority of the old citizens, prevent immigration and the flow of much- 
needed capital into the States lately in rebellian. It will be a happy condition of 
the country when the old citizens of these States will take an interest ia public 
affairs, promulgate ideas honestly entertained, vote for men representing their views, 
and tolerate the same freedom cf expression and ballot in those entertaining different 
political convictions. 

polyga:«iy— ITS abrogation demanded. 

The President insists upon the speedy extinction of polygamy iu Utah, and exposes 
in a few words the shallow pretest of the Mormons in considering it a religious rite : 

In Utah there still remains a remnant cf barbac^m, repugnant to civilization, to 
decency, and to the laws of the United States. Territorial officers, however, have 
been found who are wBling to perform their duty in a spirit of equity and with a doe 
sense of the necessity of sustaining the majesty of the law. Neither polygamy nor 
any other violation of existing statutes will be permitted within the territory (f the 
United States. It is not with the religion of the self-styled Suiuts that we are now 
dealing, but with their practices. They will be protected iu the worship of God, ac- 
cording to the dictates of their (.cneoiences, but they will not be pofmitted to violate 
the laws under the cloak of religion. 



11 



A NATIONAL POSTAL TSLEGXAPH SYSTEM. 

The abolitiicn of the telegraph monopoly, which has made the telegraph, which 
ought to be as freely used as the mail?, inaccessible to the general public, by its ex. 
■orbitant prices, ia, earnestly recommended : 

The suggestion of the Postmaster Geaeral for improvements in the Department 
presided over by him are earnestly recommended to your special attention. Espe- 
cially do I recommend favorable consideration for the plan for uniting the telegraphic 
system' of the United States with the postal system. It is believed by such a^course 
the cost of telegraphinig could be much reduced, and the service as well, if not better, 
rendered. It weuld secure the further advantage of extending the telegraph through 
l>orttons of the country where private enterprise will not construct it. Commerce, 
trade, and, above all, the efforts to bring a people widely separated into a community 
of interest, are always benefited by a rapid intercommunication. Education, the 
ground-work of republican institutions, is encouraged by increasing the facilities to 
gather speedy news from all parts o-f the country. The desire to reap the benefit of 
such knprovement s will stimulate education. 

CIVIL SEUVICE UEFOP.il. 

We insert copious extracts from the President's message upon this subject, not only 
oa account of its intrinsic merits, but because the impression is held oui that the 
President is not so earnestly In favor of '"all practical reforms," as hs professes to be. 
No one can read these paragraphs, wifh a desire to discern the truth, but must come 
to the conclusion that the President has thought earnestly and frequently upon this 
theme. No man can go beyond him in this respect, for all his acts prove that if he 
desires anything more than all others it Is to render his administration a success hy 
the establishment of a model civil service. In his three messages the same senti- 
ments are repeated with an earnestness that leaves no room for doubt. Only those 
who are so blinded by .disappointment and prejudice that they accuse him of dishon- 
esty and deception, can for a moment believe that he will not give any practical 
scheme of civil sei* flee reform a fair trial : 

The subject of compensation J<o the Heads of Bureaus and officials holding positions 
of responsibility, and requiring ability and character to fill properly, is one to which 
your attention ife invited. jBut fev/- of the officials receive a compensation equal to 
the respectable support of a family, while their duties are such as to involve millions 
of interest. In private life services demand compensation equal to the services ren- 
dered. A wise economy would dictate the same rule in the Government service. 
The present laws for collecting revenue pay collectors of customs small salaries, but 
provide for moieties (shares in all seizures) which at principal ports of entry par- 
ticularly, raise the compensation of those officials to a large sum. It has always 
seemed to me as if this system must, at times, work perniciously. It holds out an 
inducement to dishonest men, should such get possession of those offices, to be las 
in their scrutiny of goods entered to enable them finally to make Jarge seizures. 
Your attention is respectfully invited to this sj^ject. 

There has been no hesitation in changing officials in order to secure an efficient 
esecution of the laws, sometimes, too, when, in a mere party view, undeslirable po- 
litical results were likely to follow ; nor any hesitation in sustaining efficient officials 
against remonstrances wholly political. 

Always favoring practical reforms, I respectfully call your attention to one abuse 
of long standing, which I would like to see remedied by this Congress. It Is a reform 
in the civil service of the country. I would have It go beyond the mere fixing of the 
tenure of office of clerks and employees, who do not require "the advice and consent 
of the Senate" to make their appointments complete. I would have it govern, not 
the tenure, butitbe manner of making all appointm^euts. There is no duty which sa 
much embarrasses the Executive and Heads of Departments as that of appointments ; 
nor is there anf' s«eh arduous and thankless labor imposed en- Senators and Repre- 
• ssnlatives as frhat of finding places for constitueats. The present system does not 



12 

secure the best men, and oftoc not fit men. for public place. _ The elevation aidd , 
purification of the civil service of the Government will be hailed with approval bV^ • 
the whole people of the United States. 

It has been the aim of the Admiaistration to enforce honesty and efficiency in aU' 
public office3. Every public servant who has violated the trust placed in him has 
been proceeded against with all the rigor of the law. If bad men have secured places 
it has been the fault of the system established by law and custom for making appoint- 
ments, or the fault of those who recommend for Government positions persons not 
sufficiently well known to them personally, or who give letters indorsing the charac- 
ters of office-seekers without a proper sense of the grave re-sponsibility which such a 
'course devolves upon them. A civil service reform which can correct this abuse is 
much desired. In mercantile pursuit, the business-man who gives a letter of recom- 
mendation to a friend, to enable him to obtain credit from a stranger, is regarded as 
morally responsible for the integrity of his friend, and his ability to meet his obliga- 
tions. ' A reformatory lav/ which wo;Ud enforce this principle against all indorsers of 
persons for public place would insure great caution in making recommendations. A 
salutary lesson has been taught the careless and the dishonest public servant in the 
great number of prosecutions and convictions of the last two years. 

It is gratifying to notice the favorable change whiCh is taking place throughout the 
couHtrv in bringing to punishment those who have proven recreant to the trusts con- 
fided to them, and in elevating to -' ' 'ic office nr^ns but those who possess the confi- 
dence of the honeit and the virtuous, •'-^' '.'J '^lys be found, comprise the 
msjority of the community in which th .^ 

i TIIK EXECfTIVK I'OLICi". 

We now come to his definition of the real scoi^e of Executive policy. This 
"summing up" of Presidential duties and responsibilities is so excellent that com- 
meats are superfluous: 

On my assuming the responsible duties of Chief Magistrate of the United States, 
it was with the conviction that three things v.'ere essential ta Us peace, prosperity, 
and fdlest development. First among these, is strict integrity in fulfilling all our 
olUigations. Second, to secure protection to the person and property of the oitizen 
of the United States, in each and every portion of our common country, wherever 
lie may choose to move, without reference to original nationality, religion, color, or 
politics, demanding of hitn only obedience to the laws and proper respect for the 
rights of others. Third, union of all the States— with equal rights— indestructible 
by any constitutional means. 

"In conclusion, I would sum up the policy of the Administration to be a thorough, 
enforcement of every law ; a faithful collection of every tax provided for ; economy in 
the disbursement of the same; a prompt payment of every deist of the_ nation ; a re- 
duction of taxes as r.apidly as the requirements of the country will admit ; reductions 
cf taxation and tariff, to be so arranged as to afford the greatest relief to the greatest 
number : honest and fair dealings v/ith all other peoples, to the end that war, with, 
fill its blighting consequences, maj^ be avoided, but without surrenderiffg any right 
or obligation due to us ; a reform in the treatment of Indians, and in the whole civil 
service of the country : 
every man entitled 
fear, or molestatior 
CDbr. 

The President has now spoken for hiliself, and we submit the case without com- 
ment to the discriminating judgment of an enlightened and'conscieotioas people, with 
ltiesinc3re conviction that ths more extensively this record ia'clrcnlAte'd, read, and 
COaam.ented tipon, the larger, will be his. majority in November next. 



iLlSS.^ °'' CONGRESS 

Ml 




